Beasley reminds me most of Carmello because he can score inside and outside and has the bulk to do it. He is an amazing athlete but I don't think Beasley can hit threes like Mello but I bet he rebounds better and will be the better inside player. Fellas were in a win/win situation now. I myself would probably rather have Rose but if we got Michael Beasley I definitely wouldn't be balling my eyes out.

I think Beasley is a better outside shooter but I think Melo at this point in his career is a better 15-18 ft jump shooter. He has that shot on automatic (kind of like Deng did a year ago).

I'm just kinda thinking out loud right now but what about drafting Rose and making a trade to get Carmello? There's been word that he could be on his way out.

Right now, the Bulls have to be thinking along those lines. Not necessarily Melo by name, but something like him...a-la "We have a guy with a big expiring contract in the Melo/Wade/Lebron year, along with a bunch of young guys, and we have more guys than we have minutes for".

Right now, they seriously need to do a 2 or 3 guys for 1 swap somewhere just to clear minutes.

That's definitely the ideal situation right now. If we could grab Rose or Beasley and then trade for a big-time veteran, that would be about as perfect as it could get for us this offseason.

Huh? Durant and Beasley played in the exact same conference with similar strength. The Big 12 was extremely top-heavy last season, you had Kansas, A&M and Durant's Texas team and that was basically it, K-State and Texas Tech were pretty mediocre. Kansas and Texas basically destroyed the league this year with Oklahoma, Baylor and A&M hanging around and Beasley basically carrying K-State to respectability. It's not like we're talking the Big East compared to Conference USA. Plus Beasley isn't really any different than Durant, the latter is so scrawny that Seattle decided to play him at SG to avoid any banging, and he had an up and down year largely because of it. Beasley actually has enough bulk to play not only SF but also PF, and enough skill to cause problems no matter who guards him. He's stronger than guys like Bosh and Aldridge that have done quite well. Durant is a better jumpshooter, but Beasley isn't exactly a bad one and will have a much easier time finishing inside. The character stuff is overblown too, he was basically just a screw-off in high school that pulled a bunch of pranks. It's not like he was punching out teammates or blowing off the coaches. OJ Mayo has a lot more to worry about in that department and wasn't as dominant as Beasley, and he's become the consensus #3 prospect in a lot of places.

Just to play devil's advocate like you chose to do with Beasley, let's point out the issues with Rose. The big one is that he didn't regularly dominate like he should have in college. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on the season, good but not great production. He turned it on a bit more towards the end of the year, before that people weren't seriously considering him at #1 overall. He's not exactly a great shooter, and though he has the driving ability and passing skills he didn't exactly set up his teammates as much as you'd think, despite a loaded roster. PG is also the hardest position to absorb at the NBA level, and it will be a bit harder to just rely on his physical gifts like he did all throughout college (though he will obviously be able to do it a lot of nights). A lot of people are already putting him in the Paul/Williams class, but what if he turns out like Tony Parker, like his current skills seem to profile? That guy doesn't win you a championship either, at least not all by himself. Plus there's this to consider: despite playing with Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and David West, the Nash/Williams/Paul trio have zero titles and haven't been able to get by Tim Duncan and the Spurs. In fact, they have one conference finals appearance between them so far. Jason Kidd doesn't have one either, and only one Finals appearance even playing in the East for a long time. Unless they can somehow turn Kirk Hinrich into a legit big man, they're still going to have problems winning in the playoffs with a front line of Noah, Thomas and Gooden.

Not that I really buy a lot of that, just trying to prove a point. Rose will be a stud, but so will Beasley. They both have amazing physical tools that will likely allow them to be true superstars in this league. It comes down to which guy ends up being a better fit for the roster. As things currently stand Beasley is a better fit, he gives us a guy that can do some damage inside and give us a truly elite offensive option. If they find a deal they like for Kirk though taking Rose can easily make sense as well. Personally, I like the scenario that doesn't have us counting on Tyrus and Noah (and Gooden, who may/may not be retained) for another year and possibly the forseeable future.

Here's an article from Slam magazine where the writer breaks down this years top draft prospects. Having first pick is a beautiful thing fellas!!!
See if you agree with these picks and who is your number 1?

Feeling a Draft

Never too early for the top five positional rankings

By Jeff Fox

This year’s NBA Draft is following the Groundhog Day script again for NBA lottery teams. Or, as Yogi Berra aptly put it, “déjà vu all over again”. Last year the NBA’s bottom feeders were praying to their four leaf clovers that their team would get one of the top two picks in the NBA draft and, subsequently, secure the services of Messrs. Oden or Durant. This year is the same story, only the names have changed. Kansas State’s Michael Beasley and Memphis’ Derrick Rose appear to be the gems of the draft in ‘08.

Not surprisingly, Rose and Beasley lead their respective positions in SLAM’s draft prospect positional rankings. Does your team need a big man or a high scoring wing and wonder who they should take? Wonder no longer.

Point Guards

1) Derrick Rose, Memphis, FR

Point guards with Rose’s size, strength, speed and skills don’t come around too often. No doubt within a couple of years Rose will be one of the preeminent point guards in the League. Chris and Deron, set another spot at the table, Derrick is coming to dinner.

2) Jerryd Bayless, Arizona, FR

Calling Bayless quick is an understatement – the man has wheels. While he filled up the nets with ease in college, he will have to become more of a pure point guard to excel in the pros.

3) Russell Westbrook, UCLA, SO

An amazing athlete and YouTube staple, Westbrook is also a very capable point guard. Sharing a roster with another future NBA point guard, Darren Collison, Westbrook still lead the Bruins in assists.

4) D.J. Augustin, Texas, SO

Coming out from under Durant’s skinny shadow this season, Augustin blossomed. A true point guard who can also fill it up on his own, his only real concern is his lack of stature (listed at 6’0”, he’s probably shorter than that).

5) Ty Lawson, North Carolina, SO

Lawson struggles with the same height issues as the man listed above, Augustin. Ty offsets this a bit with his quickness (perhaps the fastest in the NCAA) and his solid frame.

Shooting Guards

1) O.J. Mayo, USC, FR

In the public eye since the Reagan Administration, or so it seems, Mayo finally seemed to wear out his welcome. That is to the benefit of teams drafting outside of the top two slots, as whoever gets Mayo will be getting an explosive player capable of playing either backcourt spots.

2) Eric Gordon, Indiana, FR

It takes a special player to put up big scoring numbers in the big, bad Big Ten. Gordon is that type of special player, leading the conference in scoring with over 20 a game. His height may limit him in the pros though.

3) Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis, JR

About as unorthodox as they come, Douglas-Roberts still gets the job done. While he needs to get stronger, and show that he can guard strong, athletic NBA two-guards, CD-R’s freaky game and wingspan should serve him will in the pros.

4) Brandon Rush, Kansas, JR

It seems like Rush has been a possible draft early-entry candidate for the past decade, but now that he’s got his championship he’s finally officially in the draft. While he probably won’t be a superstar, his all-around strong game and long arms will make him a solid pro.

5) Chase Budinger, SO, Arizona

One of the best athlete’s in the draft (he may be an even better volleyball player than hoops), Budinger has some serious ups and a good long-range shot. While he does have star potential, worse case scenario he at least should be the next “Great White Hope” in the NBA dunk contest.

Small Forwards

1) Danilo Gallinari, Italy, 1988

The son of a pro player, Gallinari is a big, athletic wing player. Despite his young age, he is very experienced and was his Euroleague team’s best player.

2) Nicolas Batum, France, 1988

Another youngster who competed in the Euroleague was the versatile Batum. He has a terrific all-around game, but doesn’t always bring it every night, similar to fellow Frenchman Boris Diaw.

3) Joe Alexander, West Virginia, JR

Another white man who can jump, Alexander is a classic late bloomer. He has NBA athleticism and size, but still is a work in progress.

4) Anthony Randolph, LSU, FR

After a breakout freshman season, the long, but very lean, Randolph feels he is ready to play-for-pay. Capable of playing either forward positions, whoever drafts the athletic youngster will have to be patient while his game and body matures.

5) Donte’ Greene, Syracuse, FR

Near seven-footers who can hit the three are always in high demand, so Greene shouldn’t have any problem earning a living on the hardwood. However, he probably would be best off heading back to upstate New York for another year to improve his draft stock.

Power Forwards

1) Michael Beasley, Kansas State, FR

The second coming of Durant, Beasley terrorized the NCAA this season. If a team is looking for an inside/outside scoring machine and glass crasher, just Leave it to Beasley.

2) Darrell Arthur, Kansas, SO

A perfect NBA power forward prospect – size, athleticism and skill. While he may not be ready to dominate the NBA right out of the gate, he could be a sleeper pick in this year’s lottery.

3) Kevin Love, UCLA, FR

Trying to project Love’s impact in the NBA is difficult because there really aren’t any players out there similar to him. His lack of NBA athleticism and height (probably only 6’9”) probably makes him a better college player than pro.

4) J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State, FR

A big, strong, athletic player, Hickson probably should return to Raleigh in the fall considering he may not get his name called in this year’s first round.

5) Serge Ibaka, Spain, 1989

Coming straight outta Congo, now playing professionally in Spain, Ibaka possesses NBA athleticism and length. However, due to his inexperience, at this point he is still more potential than substance.

Center

1) Brook Lopez, Stanford, SO

Otherwise known as the short-haired Lopez twin, he is also the more talented of the two, with strong skills at both ends of the court. The Michael Jackson fanatic should have a long, lucrative NBA career.

2) JaVale McGee, Nevada, SO

It’s fitting that McGee played his college ball in Nevada because he is the ultimate gamble pick. Very inexperienced, with a physique that makes Tayshaun Prince look like Mr. Olympia, he is also very athletic and very, very long.

3) Kosta Koufos, Ohio State, FR

The man given the unenviable task of filling Oden’s size 18 shoes at Ohio State, Koufos did a remarkably good job. Despite growing up in Ohio, he plays like a classic European big man – good outside shot, can put the ball on the floor – and fittingly plays in Greece’s National Team system.

4) DeAndre Jordan, Texas Tech A&M, FR

A player with tons of “upside”, Jordan will need a few more years to truly be ready for the NBA. The fact that his productivity declined as his freshman season progressed isn’t a good sign.

5) Alexis Ajinca, France, 1988

All you need to know about Ajinca are his measurements – 7’1” with at 7’9” wingspan. With a lot more experience, and a ton of protein shakes, this shot-blocking menace could be a keeper.

Jeff Fox writes more extensively about the NBA draft and college basketball at www.collegehoopsnet.com. All hate mail can be directed to him at foxyjj@sympatico.ca.
http://slamonline.com/online/2008/05/feeling-a-draft/

I'm just so excited to even be in this position! Who would of thought that today we'd be sitting here talking about who the Bulls are going to draft #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!??

This is totally irrelevant to the draft but.. I made Derrick Rose last night on NBA 2k8 and played a game with him on the Bulls and he ended up with 35 points 6 rebounds and 18 assists in a DOUBLE OVERTIME game (5 min quarters). I tried to make him as real as I could. I think he ended up being rated 81. That was fun! =)

Nice.

want proof the pick is not for sale?

I'm quoting myself again b/c I don't think anyone commented on my Jason Thompson post and b/c I found an article that talks about drafting Rose or Beasley that highlights how Thompson outplayed Beasley when they played last year. Thompson had 24 points to Beasley's 13 and the 2 guarded each other. If Thompson slips to our second round I hope we take him. The article says that we need Lopez and that Rose is overrated b/c he doesn't play well against NBA competition. It also says that Beasley is the next Derrick Coleman. I'm not sure I agree but I do thin Lopez will be a decent scorer in the NBA. I'm just don't think he is going to be a star big man and that's why I don't want to take him. With that said, the lack of real centers in the NBA means that his impact could be greater than most players in the draft.

http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/253...st-Draft-Center

I've never been a fan of the whole "well so and so did this against so and so, so he's really good/overrated." Everyone has a bad game here and there, and no one game can definitively prove anything for a player. You can just as easily point to monstrous games Beasley had against Kansas and Oklahoma (against Blake Griffin, who'd easily go #3 this year from all reports) or games against UConn, Texas and UCLA for Rose.

I'm torn on Lopez. He definitely has scoring ability inside, but how will he do against NBA caliber big men? He already shot 46.8% from the field this year, which isn't exactly stellar for a college big man (though I will admit he was the team's ONLY legit scoring threat). Plus though he's nowhere near as bad as Hawes is, but he's not a stellar athlete. I don't think he'll suck, but I kinda doubt he's going to be a very good big man as well.

As for Thompson, I can't really comment on him as I've never seen him play (which is saying something ). I'm usually skeptical of big men from smaller schools though since a large number of BCS conference schools will take any big man with a pulse, and they don't generally have a good track record (Kaman and Big Ben are the only ones that come to mind in recent history, I can't count West or Camby because they still get decent competition in the A-10 and both had a few tourney trips). Second round okay, but I'm pretty sure we don't have one.

Don't we have the 39th pick? I don't think Thompson will be there but maybe we can trade up.`